SeaWorld San Diego
500 SeaWorld Drive,San Diego,
California 92109
619-226-3901
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34 Reviewsfor SeaWorld San Diego
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00 families found this helpful
"Even better than the SDZoo!"
If you visit San Diego, you MUST go to Seaworld. This is an incredible place to take the family - great, entertaining and educational shows. Lots of wonderful exhibits. San Diego's great weather makes this a terrific place year-round. Typically expensive food, but the chance for kids to see killer whales and dolphins and to feed sea life.... what a great family trip for making memories. We love it!
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"It's All About the Animals"
Years ago when I lived in the Orlando area I was disappointed that I was unable to see the Orca's jumping for one reason or another. That was the signature image of SeaWorld, I felt I was missing something by not seeing that. It was only later, when I returned with my wife and saw the evening Shamu show that paired a single whale and trainer in a routine choreographed to music that I understood the real potential that SeaWorld offered as entertainment.
When we moved to San Diego one of the first things we did was to get SeaWorld passes. Throughout the last few years we have visited the park often and each member of the family has their favorite activities. Below I will highlight the not to miss features and provide a review of the new dolphin stadium show "Blue Horizons".
There are two shows in SeaWorld that seem not to fit. The first is Cirque de la Mer, a Cirque de Soleil style acrobatics show featuring spectacular dives from trapezes into a cove of Mission Bay. The second is Pets Rule! a show primarily featuring cats and dogs performing agility show tricks. While Cirque de la Mer is nice, if you have to skip something it is a good choice. On the other hand don't skip Pets Rule! It is the favorite show of my 8 and 6 year old boys and a must visit each trip. This continues to amaze me as the show does not change, but it is high energy and the kids really enjoy it.
Next up on the schedule are my favorite two shows. Sea Lions Live is the current daytime sea lion and otter show and is a spoof of Saturday Night Live. An even better show is Sea Lions Tonight which features the sea lions and otters spoofing every other show at SeaWorld. It combines comic genius seamlessly with a demonstration of animal behaviors. These two shows really demonstrate trainers and animals working together. Don't arrive late to these shows however, prior to the arrival onstage of the main act Biff, the stage hand, opens with an interactive, ever changing and hilarious comedy routine that gets the audience pumped up for the show.
What would SeaWorld be without Shamu? The night time show Shamu Rocks is contrasts a colorful and cacophonous assault of the senses from a rock music backed lights and video show with the elegance and beauty of the black and white orcas. The new rules improve the show by keeping the trainers in the background and focusing more fully on the true stars.
Believe is Shamu's daytime show. You can not visit SeaWorld without seeing this show. That being said, as a frequent visitor I almost never see this show. The stadium is enormous forcing you to either sit in the soak zone or use binoculars and the shows premise is sappy and preachy. I have not seen the show since the new rules were implemented, but I suspect that unlike Shamu Rocks this show, which focused on animal/trainer interaction, has probably less entertaining than it was previously.
Finally, Blue Horizons, SeaWorld's latest show in Dolphin Stadium. First some technicalities, currently in order to get into the show you will need a wristband at the gate. All of the shows are currently filling up so look to see if they are using wristbands and pick them up before you enter the park.
It seems that with Blue Horizons SeaWorld went to every other show in the park and stole something. They have birds flying across the stage (Pets Rule!), costumed acrobats and divers (Cirque de la Mer), a plot line (every sea lion show ever done), whales splashing people, lights, music, singing, fancy water fountains and I think I even saw a kitchen sink.
Hopefully you can tell from my tone that I didn't like this show however both my sons both fully enjoyed it. I would encourage you to go see this show, and fortunately for you, I won't be standing in line again.
The show opens with the host explaining that the show has a plot, and giving a synopsis. This, in my mind, is always a bad sign. Having to explain a show is a lot like explaining a joke, it means you're doing it wrong.
Birds whiz across the stage so fast they are a distraction. People are diving into the water and getting pulled out so fast you lose track. People in bird costumes are bouncing up and down. At this point you may have noticed that I keep calling this the new show in dolphin stadium. I am certain that somewhere in all of this chaos there was a dolphin, but I would be hard pressed to tell you if it did anything.
Perhaps this is my greatest disappointment. For me the dolphin show was always the most pure demonstration of animal talent. The previous show demonstrated flips and jumping height and had audience members interacting with the animals. The current show is more what you would get if the sprinklers went on during a performance of "The Lion King" on Broadway.
As I tweeted immediately after seeing the show, Blue Horizons: SeaWorld has jumped the shark.
0 families found this helpful
"Shamu Shamu"
I was very surprised at the price for this place. I thought it ran like $30 per person + parking. Got a great deal and I am glad we went.
My 2 year old still talks about Shamu. He loved Sesame Street were he was able to get on all the rides (with parent). I was surprised that he could do the net area. Loved the pet show and Shamu. Wasn't crazy for the Sea Lion (I wasn't crazy about it either). The Dolphin show was closed which is one of my favorites.
Our deal was for 2 days which was great cause we didn't rush through everything. We packed lunch and left it in the car ate lunch outside in picnic table area. For snacks we put them in stroller in the pockets. They only checked the backpacks.
Things I disliked - no food allowed. When families are in tight budget it's hard enough to pay for the entry and parking. When we left I wish they would of stamped my wrist not back of hand it washes off easily. The entry process. You have to put your thumb print down on this machine and your ticket on this scanner - no big deal, but it wasn't reading it and the attendant was busy daydreaming and I gave me the ugliest look when I bothered her.
0 families found this helpful
"Flying High at SeaWorld's New Dolphin Show"
Recently we had the treat of visiting SeaWorld San Diego and seeing the new Dolphin Show “Blue Horizons.” We love visiting SeaWorld and often take our friends and family when they visit. A few of our favorite stops are the Wild Arctic, Penguin and Shark Encounters. One show my son loves to see every visit is Pets Rule! It features rescued dogs, cats, pigs and birds doing some amazing tricks. It never fails to entertain him (and I have to admit me too).
On this trip however, we were all so excited to see the new dolphin show, and it didn’t disappoint. The show features dolphins, pilot whales, birds and acrobatic performers. Visually, it is a delight. While the dolphins are the main attraction, there is so much more to the show. Birds fly across the stadium and acrobatic divers fly through the air into the water and back up again. My daughter thought they were so brave to dive from those heights!
The dolphins and pilot whales appear throughout the show and perform some amazing tricks on their own, in groups or with their trainers. One word of caution, when they say you could get wet in the soak zone; believe them. I’ve been to a lot of these shows, and I have to say at our show, some people got drenched! So unless it’s a really hot day and you need to cool off, I would suggest being at least 10 rows up.
It’s a great addition to SeaWorld and I look forward to the next time we have friends in town so that we can take it them to it. If you have seen Blue Horizons, what was your favorite part of the show?
0 families found this helpful
"©Sea World San Diego "
Well when I first went to ©Sea World San Diego I was about 4 years old and now I am almost 19 years old. When I first walked into the gates I went straight to the Shamu Stadium I was so excited that I was jumping around everywhere and once I walked down the stairs to the viewing glass and saw the most beautiful animals in the world, the killer whales. Once I laid my eyes on them they have been my number one favorite animal in the world. Well after 30 minutes admiring the killer whales, the show was about to start so we went upstairs to go take our seats. After the show ended I told my parents "Mom, Dad, I want to work at Sea World with the killer whales" ever since that day I still follow my dreams to become a Killer Whale Trainer at ©Sea World San Diego. I have taken Marine Biology in my high school years and I plan to study Animal Exotic Training in Moorpark College.
1 family found this helpful
"Great place to spend the day as a family"
I recently took my kids to Sea World for the first time (they are 3 1/2) and they had a blast. We packed quite a bit into our day and could have easily spent another day exploring the park.
Some of our highlights included:
The Dolphin Encounter: We arrived too late to get in line to feed the dolphins but it was still fun to watch others feed them and see those who paid the extra fee to get in the water with the dolphins. I think when my kids get older we will definitely have to do that!
Shamu "Believe" Show: My son LOVED this show. He was so excited while we were waiting for the show to start and kept asking me when the whale was going to jump (I guess he has seen Sea World commercials) . It was a great show but I couldn't help but notice the trainers didn't get in the water with the killer whales anymore. I am guessing that may have to due with the tragedy that happened in Orlando.
Manta Rays: I love this tank because the manta rays feel so smooth and soft and glide so gracefully in the water. The kids were a bit hesitant at first but I coaxed them into using a finger to touch them.
Forbidden Reef: I remember when I was a kid and this exhibit first opened. The line was FOREVER and it was unlike anything we had ever seen before. Well now there is no line and its still just as cool. Sharks swim above and around visitors as they stand on a moving walkway.
The Penguin Encounter: I love the pengiuns and seeing them waddle up to the water and stealthily swim through the water is always alot of fun.
We skipped the Wild Artic ride because I thought it would be too scary for my kids and because last time I rode it I got some serious motion sickness. We just asked if we could bypass the ride and go straight to the animals and the staff was happy to oblige. This is where we saw the beautiful beluga whales, watched a wlrus lumber about his enclosure and got extremely close to a slumbering polar bear. The only thing that separated us from the bear was the a thick window!!!!
The Blue Horizons dolphin show was amazing. It had a Cirque Du Soleil feel with dancing, acrobatics, colorful costume, water fountains, tropical birds, pilot whales, and dolphins. I found this show to be unllike any other I had seen at an animal park and I felt ike it was a great standard for other parks to strive towards.
There are rides and play structures at the park as well. My kids played at Sesame Place where there were kiddie rides and a huge playstructure with rope walls to climb, bridges to cross, bounce places to jump on and slides to whirl down. There are also water features to splash in if it is warm outside (which it wasn't the dayt we went).
We also took the Bayside Skyride which for $5 a person is a little pricey but my daughter loved it and the views of Mission Bay were very nice. I think the price needs to be knocked down a bit to reflect the length of the ride.
Two rides we didn't do because of my children's young age were Shipwreck rapids (which looked like fun but seemed like alot of other raft rides I have seen in the past) and Journey to Atlantis which looked really cool! It was like a water roller coaster and the asthetics were amazing. Next time I go, I will have to drag an adult with me so I can get a chance to try it out!
The exhibits that I thought could use some updating were the World of Sea Aquarium and the tide pool. The tide pool seamed a bit pathetic and the sea life was scant. I hope they have plans to update it in the future because they have the space to make it a very nice exhibit.
Overall I think Sea World is a great place to spend the day as a family. Children can learn about marine mammals and sea life and have fun on rides. Parents will appreciate the fact that they can buy alcoholic drinks on site and also be entertained by the fantastic shows. We will defintely be heading back.
Disclosure: My family received a complimentary visit to Sea World. I received no other compensation besides the tickets and Sea World didn't state any requirements that I express any particular point of view. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
0 families found this helpful
"Lunch with Shamu was the best!"
We visited in October of 2009. My girls were 1, 3 and 5 at the time. They loved the sea animals. If you want any up close animal interactions it can get pricey. The dolphin experience has changed since I was last there. You can't just spend 50 cents to feed the dolphins and maybe get a little pat in anymore. They have half of the pool blocked off (the half that is easiest to pet the dolphins. The feed and pet experience is now $45. We did splurge and dined with Shamu. We were provided yummy food and a little show. My daughters were pretty amazed until the Orca came up out of the water right where we were sitting. It took a while to get my 5 year old back to the table. This is another park where two days would be best with small children.
0 families found this helpful
"Might be my favorite amusement park"
I am a little bit biased because I live about 8 minutes from Sea World. I can see it from my backyard and though they don't run every day now, we can see the evening fireworks too.
We usually go right when it opens on a weekday. I never have any problem parking. For an extra $5 you can park up close in premium parking but that would save about 1 minute or less off my walk typically.
Costco has discounted annual passes but check with Sea World because they've been having a ton of promotions lately. We usually spend the morning walking around the park and playing in the Sesame Street area. The Shamu show is great but it can be unbearably hot in that seating area if the sun is out. Bring sunblock and a hat definitely.
I like that Sea World is not hectic like the Disney Parks. It's beautifully landscaped and even when it's crowded, it doesn't feel as crowded as some parks can.
It's a not to miss attraction if you're coming to San Diego with kids.
1 family found this helpful
"A Great Day!"
SeaWorld can provide you with a multitude of things to do in a day, but be aware bringing you own food can save a fortune! This place is very pricey, but that may go without saysing as most places like this are. I highly recommend the shows - especially the clyde and Seamore show. This show is fun for the kids and you would even get a kick out of it.
The shark exhibit is one of the best I ahve ever seen.When I was dating my husband we use to go there every week and check out the sharks, we could spend hours in there trying to get the perfect picture.
The waterpark is so fun and the kids can really get the energy out! For the bigger kids there a several rides and this helps make SeaWorld more than an Aquarium but an Adventure park.
Around the holidays they host a " Not so Scary" halloween party. There are lots for the kids to do during the event and it is just something extra special!
0 families found this helpful
"Mr. binoy"
I love to go to see the sea world. i have got the ticket from the counter to visit the sea world every month. i showed the kids to have many things to dream about. they love to see the sea world around. I am kind to kids if they ask me to take them for the underwater ride.
2 families found this helpful
"Well worth it!"
We enjoyed our two fun filled days at Sea World with our 4 month old and 21 month old. We especially enjoyed the dolphins, seeing Shamu up close through the glass in the underwater tank, the Sharks, and the flamingos hanging out on the lawn. Our 21 month old couldn't get enough of the Sesame stree play land. It was a nice place to relax while she got her energy out. The rides were also greatly entertaining to her.
Advice: If a must is pictures with the Sesame street characters, skip out on the end of their dance show and get first in line so you don't have to wait more than 10 minutes.
Hit the shows early and enjoy a few minutes relaxing or enjoying your lunch instead of getting there late and trying to find a seat. Although the parking cost is outragous, it was worth it to be able to leave for nap time.
Get there when the park opens. It was EMPTY when we arrived at opening, even in the middle of the summer. We were the only ones there to see the dolphins and to pet the sting rays.
We had no problems bringing in our own food and that was worth it because food in the park is expensive!
It was well worth the two day pass and we enjoyed every minute of it!
0 families found this helpful
"Splish! Splash!"
We recently had a chance to visit Sea World with a 5 month old, 2 year old, and 11 year old. First thing that impressed me is that it was a great trip for all. Everyone loved it. Some highlights were: petting the rays, touching the starfish, the ride lines were nonexistant, feeding the dolphins, and seeing the whales. Somethings that weren't perfect: many events only happened once during the day and if you missed it you were out of luck. I didn't see any signs that showed the different events, we were just lucky that we came upon some of them. The park wasn't super easy to navigate. We ended up missing a few things. You are not allowed to bring in outside food or drinks, we ate lunch in the parking lot...lame. Over all it was fun and we would go back. We actually had two day passes, but ended up opting not to return the second day.
0 families found this helpful
"Exotic and Aquatic!"
Aquatic animals are some of the most amazing creatures...It's a rarity to get an opportunity to see such animals up close. If you're visiting San Diego, SeaWorld is really a must. Shamu and the dolphins are a must to see. I also recommend having children get hands on at the Tide Pool where they can touch a sea star, Forbidden Reef to touch the rays, and Rocky Point Preserve to feed the dolphins. The park is huge and little ones like my son can't handle an entire day so I recommend getting a pass if you live in the area. The Sesame Street Bay of Play is fun for tots and preschoolers, but if you only have one day, I'd focus on the aquatic life.
0 families found this helpful
"Best Marine Animal Shows"
I don't know why I haven't visited SeaWorld with kids sooner. Maybe I have been saving it for San Diego trip. But it's one of our favorite place during our visit.
There are many animal shows and interaction that you will need at least two days to take it all it especially with small kids.
Our top 5 animal shows are listed on my blog: http://bit.ly/6BUgR3
Kids absolutely love Shamu, Sea Lion and touching pool with sting ray!
0 families found this helpful
"Shamu"
My daughters loved seeing the killer whal peformance. We had a great time watching all the shows the sea animals performed and the rides that was available all around the park. There were penguin sanctuaries, polar bears, seals, sea lions and so many different wildlife to explore. Definitely worth the trip if your in the area, just make sure you slather on the sunscreen.
1 family found this helpful
"Skeptical, but loved it"
I was not really excited about visiting this park, but it turned out to be a really great place to take my son. We went on Superbowl Sunday so the park was pretty empty. Our favorites include: Shamu, the ray touch pool, the dolphins, the manatees and the shark area.
My tip is: watch out for the seagulls at the dining areas, they do have a special replacement policy for just that issue.
1 family found this helpful
"Shamu Rocks! "
We love this place. It is the only other theme park that I feel is up to "disney standards" in terms of cleanliness and themed areas. It has lots for the kids to do, a good variety of sea life encounters mixed in with a few good rides. The bay of play is great for the little ones. Atlantis is very fun too, but warning... you get pretty wet. They have a great deal where you pay for 1 full price ticket for a day ($65) and can come back for the rest of the year. If you do this at the right time of the year, you can get a lot of use out of it.
0 families found this helpful
"Great time"
I loved it, the shows were great and it wasn't rush rush, plus you get to sit alot which is different from other parks where you wait in long lines on your feet just to sit for 30 seconds, they even had warm up shows so if you got there early you had entertainment it was great
1 family found this helpful
"Hot hot hot"
We really enjoyed our visit to sea world but I have to say there wasn't a lot of shade. Our son really enjoyed the Elmo jungle gym land. I had the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. That was fun but there wasn't as much interaction as I had hoped. He did enjoy shamu and like being splashed from the big water ride. You could stand right next to it as the carts came down the big hill and get splashed.
0 families found this helpful
"great shows"
there are tons of shows threw out the day. the shamu show is done very well. people can feed the dolphins. they have some neat black and white dolphins to watch. they also have a few rides. there really isnt any shade so sunscreen is recomened. Make sure if you decide to sit close to the tanks during the shows you bring extra clothes to change into.
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